At first estimate, the project was slated to cost approximately $300,000, but township engineer Khaled Hassan said making this a Transportation Alternatives Program application means that it must be a “full-blown highway occupancy permit.” That added curbing and stormwater management improvements in addition to the sidewalks.

Kerr said the Transportation Alternatives Program grant requires the township to put up 20 percent of whatever the approved project costs. In this case, for a $500,000 project, Limerick would have to provide $100,000.

Nationally, the Transportation Alternatives Program fund stands at $819,900,000 for 2014. The fund works to promote pedestrian, bicycle and other non-driving forms of transportation.

To help offset the township’s costs on a potential project, Kerr suggested that they may approach Rep. Mark Painter’s office or PennDOT.

“Hopefully we can get some assistance with that 20 percent match,” Kerr said.

Residents with properties that the sidewalks would go along will not have to pay for the project, Supervisor Kara Shuler said.

If the grant is approved, the township can decline it if other financial help does not materialize.

The board voted to approve seeking the grant to “not lose the opportunity,” Supervisor Joseph St. Pedro said.

“It may not come around for two years,” Shuler said. “Delaying will hurt us.”

About the Author

Frank Otto is a general assignment reporter covering Phoenixville, Limerick and Spring-Ford schools in addition to features and spot news. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Otto moonlights with the sports department on occasion. Reach the author at fotto@pottsmerc.com
or follow Frank on Twitter: @fottojourno.